by political editor Paul Francis

The county council pays for membership of a private members club in the heart of the capital.

Membership of the Commonwealth Club, close to Trafalgar Square, costs the council £200 a year and, according to the authority, is used for numerous business meetings.

Read Paul'spolitics blog hereand follow him onTwitter

Among them was a lunch hosted by Geoff Wild for representatives of law firm Geldards last September to discuss a joint venture between the two and a bid for a contract involving 45 public authorities.

The party of four had a lunch that cost £134, paid for by corporate credit card.

In a statement, the council said it would not be renewing its membership when it expired next July.